Brands
Pocket fm insights ’25: 86 per cent of listeners prefer audio dramas over podcasts
MUMBAI: For millions of Indians, screens are out and sound is in. Pocket fm’s entertainment insights ’25 report reveals how audio series have emerged as the country’s most intimate form of entertainment, redefining binge culture.
Based on responses from 20,538 digital entertainment consumers, the survey reveals that audio dramas are now part of daily life, with 49 per cent listening to over 10 episodes a day, 50 per cent tuning in for more than 90 minutes (including 35 per cent who cross two hours), 60 per cent listening during leisure time, 48 per cent during commutes, and 86 per cent preferring episodic audio dramas over podcasts, audiobooks, or music.
At the center of this shift is young India (18–24 years), treating audio series as both escape and habit. Genres such as drama (40 per cent), romance (37 per cent), sci-fi/fantasy (37 per cent), and thriller/horror (34 per cent) dominate, with Hindi leading at 53 per cent while regional languages rapidly gain ground.
Monetisation patterns are equally unique: three in four prefer micro-payments over subscriptions, mirroring India’s wider digital payment culture.
And the future? Surprisingly open to tech. 80 per cent of listeners say they are comfortable with AI-generated storytelling, so long as the narrative connects emotionally.
“India has always been a storytelling nation, from epics to bollywood. What we are witnessing now is a generational pivot,” said Pocket entertainment, co-founder and ceo, Rohan Nayak. “People aren’t abandoning video; they’re choosing audio because it offers intimacy, imagination, and freedom. The future of pop culture will be defined as much by what we hear as by what we see.”
Brands
Ofis Square appoints Yami Gautam Dhar as brand ambassador
Actress to champion flexible workspaces as company expands in Delhi NCR.
MUMBAI: Ofis Square has found its perfect workspace muse and she comes with star power and a grounded, ambitious vibe. The premium coworking and managed workspaces brand has announced the appointment of popular actress Yami Gautam Dhar as its brand ambassador. This marks a significant milestone as Ofis Square continues to rapidly expand its presence across Delhi NCR.
Since its inception in 2022, Ofis Square has carved a niche in the Indian corporate landscape with its “Future Works Here” philosophy. The brand focuses on creating thoughtfully designed, technology-enabled environments that foster innovation, collaboration, and the evolving needs of modern businesses.
Yami Gautam Dhar, known for her credible image and strong connection with modern Indian audiences, perfectly aligns with the brand’s aspirational positioning.
Ofis Square founder Saroj Mittal said, “Yami brings with her a credibility and an energy that genuinely reflects our community people who are ambitious, grounded, and serious about what they do. We’re proud to have her with us as we step into this next phase of growth.”
Yami Gautam Dhar expressed her excitement, “Ofis Square isn’t just building workspaces; it’s trying to change the conversation around how India works. There’s a whole generation of founders, freelancers, and business leaders working differently in spaces that actually inspire them. I’m excited to be part of a brand that’s building for them.”
The collaboration reflects Ofis Square’s commitment to strengthening its role in shaping India’s evolving workplace culture through community building, networking, and industry engagement.
In the competitive world of flexible workspaces, Ofis Square has made a smart move by bringing in a relatable and aspirational face. With Yami Gautam Dhar on board, the brand is set to make workspaces not just functional, but truly inspiring.
